Peter Bentley Suites unveiled at Sussex FA headquarters

Published:09:31Updated:09:32Thursday 08 May 2014

THE Sussex County FA unveiled the Peter Bentley Suites at their headquarters in Lancing last night in memory of their former chairman.

The unveiling took place at half-time during the Sussex Principal RUR Charity Cup final, a competition Peter, who sadly passed away in November, held dear to his heart during his many years presiding over Sussex football.

Peter’s family were in attendance at the unveiling, and his wife, Margaret said of the tribute: “This makes me so proud. I know Peter would have been touched having these suites here named in his honour.

“He dedicated much of his life to the beautiful game, and this is a beautiful tribute to him. I would like to thank all those involved at the Sussex County FA for the support and compassion they have shown to me and my family during this difficult time.”

Mathew Major, who was elected as chairman of the Sussex County FA following the sad loss of Peter, was on hand to conduct the ceremony, and spoke fondly of his predecessor.

He said: “Peter was a Sussex football man through and through. His first involvement with the Sussex County FA came as far back as 1975 when he was elected to council, and he went on to fulfil the role of chairman here for many years.

“He will be very sadly missed by all of us, but we hope that the re-naming of the suites here at the Sussex County FA HQ will go some way to honouring what he achieved, and ensuring that his legacy will go on.”

With the unanimous support of everyone at the Sussex County FA, it was agreed, by those Peter left behind, that a fitting tribute to him, would be to re-name the existing County Suites at the headquarters to the Peter Bentley Suites in his honour.

A plaque commemorating Peter was unveiled, and is located at the entrance of the suites named after him.